Diabetic Retinopathy

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetic eye condition that occurs when blood vessels in the retina experience anatomical changes. These changes include swelling, leaking fluid, or a complete closure of the eye tissue. In some cases, newly formed blood vessels may grow on the surface of the retina instead of utilizing the structures that already exist in their natural state. Diabetic retinopathy may cause no obvious symptoms in its early stages, however, if left untreated symptoms can intensify and lead to possible blindness. This condition commonly develops in patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and is more likely to grow if blood sugar isn’t regularly controlled.

Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms

Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed through a series of tests performed by the experienced staff at Marano Eye Care. Patients will first undergo a dilated eye exam so we can take a closer look for any abnormalities present in the eye. The presence of diabetic retinopathy will reveal any irregularities in the blood vessels, swelling, blood, fatty tissue or scar tissue deposits in the retina, and the possible growth of new blood vessels. To further expand on your diagnosis, our team may also perform a fluorescein angiography to take pictures of the retina in order to pinpoint any blood vessels that are closed, broken, or leaking. The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include the following:

Floaters in your field of vision

Blurred vision

Dark or empty areas in your line of sight

Fluctuating vision

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Since the early stages of diabetic retinopathy may not require immediate treatment, our team at Marano Eye Care will closely monitor your condition. In cases that have shown signs of rapid advancement, options for diabetic retinopathy relief may include treatment with a focal laser or scatter laser. A focal laser treats leaking blood vessels through the use of photocoagulation, which is the fusion of small tissue in the retina. Scatter laser treatments use photocoagulation methods to stop leaks and bleeding from the blood vessels as well, but are also utilized to shrink the abnormal vessels in the immediate area of the eye. It’s important to note that these procedures will only be able to correct prior damage and not fully prevent the issue from reoccurring due to the presence of a diabetic condition. Marano Eye Care recommends that all diabetes patients maintain good blood sugar control to slow the development of diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy Relief in New Jersey

Marano Eye Care is prepared to treat any patient suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a location near you or to learn more about Marano Eye Care and the conditions we treat to provide you with an improved quality of life.